Iran's President: 'We are at war, accept international sanctions'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on citizens to "accept" the consequences of international sanctions on the nation's economy, drawing a stark parallel to wartime conditions. "We are at war and we must accept the conditions that prevail in wartime," Pezeshkian stated in a state television interview, pushing back against those who downplay the sanctions' impact.

Pezeshkian, considered a moderate, had previously admitted the country faces "many economic difficulties." He revealed that Iran's imports and exports have decreased by 25% to 30%. The president also warned that gasoline prices would rise "one way or another," a politically sensitive issue in a country that heavily subsidizes fuel.

These statements come as the United States intensifies economic pressure. The US Treasury announced new "secondary" sanctions targeting Iran's trading partners, aiming to squeeze Tehran's economy. Washington claims these measures are necessary as the conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28, has reached a stalemate.

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We are at war and we must accept the conditions that prevail in wartime.

Despite the economic strain, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested room for diplomacy, stating, "It is not impossible to bring diplomacy back on track. It depends on whether the United States understands a simple fact: that pressure does not work."

Meanwhile, China, a key economic partner for Iran and also targeted by US sanctions, has vowed to "resolutely" defend its interests and cooperation with Tehran. Iran's Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaebanah claimed that a US naval blockade of Iranian ports has limited the country's ability to import sufficient gasoline.

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It is not impossible to bring diplomacy back on track. It depends on whether the United States understands a simple fact: that pressure does not work.